State of California school system gets rid of books

According to vocabulary tests, Californian fourth grade and eighth grade students are almost at the bottom of the list, excepting just a very few other states; and this, despite heavy injections of vast sums of money.

So they found a solution !

"The test, known as the Nation’s Report Card, also showed that California is doing worse than states spending less on education.

So much for lack of money being a problem.

Then there was the school-board meeting I attended where there was a complete computer presentation of a new method of teaching that is now being implemented in the schools.

I had no idea what they were talking about.

They explained classes would be reconfigured, curriculum content was being revised, teachers are being retrained on how to teach and what to teach, how every student would have a laptop, books were to be virtually phased out – but some new books would be created for this whole new education system.

We were told it would take a couple of years to get everything in place, but by the time that happens, it would be in every school and every grade in California."

So books and outdated teaching methods are being blamed.

Are they sure a certain change of mentality in pupils and parents didn't play a part in it ?

And pres. Obama, according to the article, seems to be mighty proud of this "accomplishment."

In thinking about how valuable education is in cultivating the next generation of Americans, my mind took me back nearly twenty years to when I was a graduate student functioning as a substitute teacher at La Puente High School in Southern California. On one assignment, I was to cover a social studies class of some old-timer; he had written down in his instructions that since his classes were on a field trip, my sole duty was to show a movie at 6th period to those who did not attend. What I found that day opened my eyes.In a dusty corner shelf of the room was a set of thirty-year-old textbooks from the mid-1960s, and although my memory cannot now relinquish their title, their contents burned themselves into my brain. As I flipped through the pages, I was astonished to find what I would now consider an upper-level college textbook under color of what in the high schools used to be termed "civics." This text contained a very detailed understanding of political theory, constitutional law, macroeconomics, American history, and comparative political systems. I spent the rest of the day in slack-jawed amazement, perusing what a student in a working-class town was expected to know before the mavens of education began tinkering with the curricula of our schools.

In thinking about how valuable education is in cultivating the next generation of Americans, my mind took me back nearly twenty years to when I was a graduate student functioning as a substitute teacher at La Puente High School in Southern California. On one assignment, I was to cover a social studies class of some old-timer; he had written down in his instructions that since his classes were on a field trip, my sole duty was to show a movie at 6th period to those who did not attend. What I found that day opened my eyes.In a dusty corner shelf of the room was a set of thirty-year-old textbooks from the mid-1960s, and although my memory cannot now relinquish their title, their contents burned themselves into my brain. As I flipped through the pages, I was astonished to find what I would now consider an upper-level college textbook under color of what in the high schools used to be termed "civics." This text contained a very detailed understanding of political theory, constitutional law, macroeconomics, American history, and comparative political systems. I spent the rest of the day in slack-jawed amazement, perusing what a student in a working-class town was expected to know before the mavens of education began tinkering with the curricula of our schools.

In thinking about how valuable education is in cultivating the next generation of Americans, my mind took me back nearly twenty years to when I was a graduate student functioning as a substitute teacher at La Puente High School in Southern California. On one assignment, I was to cover a social studies class of some old-timer; he had written down in his instructions that since his classes were on a field trip, my sole duty was to show a movie at 6th period to those who did not attend. What I found that day opened my eyes.In a dusty corner shelf of the room was a set of thirty-year-old textbooks from the mid-1960s, and although my memory cannot now relinquish their title, their contents burned themselves into my brain. As I flipped through the pages, I was astonished to find what I would now consider an upper-level college textbook under color of what in the high schools used to be termed "civics." This text contained a very detailed understanding of political theory, constitutional law, macroeconomics, American history, and comparative political systems. I spent the rest of the day in slack-jawed amazement, perusing what a student in a working-class town was expected to know before the mavens of education began tinkering with the curricula of our schools.

I remember about 12 years ago, I was visiting my Grandparents and having a nostalgic moment looking thru all of my grandfathers collectibles. One was a sixth grade math book. It was equivalent to a senior year math textbook. And he grew up in the country in eastern Tennessee!

The craziest part...it was extremely well written and made math easy to understand. Go figure. It truly was eye opening.

In thinking about how valuable education is in cultivating the next generation of Americans, my mind took me back nearly twenty years to when I was a graduate student functioning as a substitute teacher at La Puente High School in Southern California. On one assignment, I was to cover a social studies class of some old-timer; he had written down in his instructions that since his classes were on a field trip, my sole duty was to show a movie at 6th period to those who did not attend. What I found that day opened my eyes.In a dusty corner shelf of the room was a set of thirty-year-old textbooks from the mid-1960s, and although my memory cannot now relinquish their title, their contents burned themselves into my brain. As I flipped through the pages, I was astonished to find what I would now consider an upper-level college textbook under color of what in the high schools used to be termed "civics." This text contained a very detailed understanding of political theory, constitutional law, macroeconomics, American history, and comparative political systems. I spent the rest of the day in slack-jawed amazement, perusing what a student in a working-class town was expected to know before the mavens of education began tinkering with the curricula of our schools.

I remember about 12 years ago, I was visiting my Grandparents and having a nostalgic moment looking thru all of my grandfathers collectibles. One was a sixth grade math book. It was equivalent to a senior year math textbook. And he grew up in the country in eastern Tennessee!

The craziest part...it was extremely well written and made math easy to understand. Go figure. It truly was eye opening.

I fully agree with any and all of the replies above. The stupidity of this move is unequaled. We have been dumbing down the essential curriculum for 30 years now. I assume we are really looking at a cost saving measure here. The damn bean counters and supposed curriculum co-ordinators will be the death of what once was a stellar program.

Books are real, you see it printed black on white. The internet (and IT generally) is volatile and ephemerous, and if it wasn't already, is being turned into a means for lying and make-believe. Look at Wikipedia. Anybody and their cat can change or write anything they want. This is no way to perpetuate knowledge, is it ?

Books are real, you see it printed black on white. The internet (and IT generally) is volatile and ephemerous, and if it wasn't already, is being turned into a means for lying and make-believe. Look at Wikipedia. Anybody and their cat can change or write anything they want. This is no way to perpetuate knowledge, is it ?

In thinking about how valuable education is in cultivating the next generation of Americans, my mind took me back nearly twenty years to when I was a graduate student functioning as a substitute teacher at La Puente High School in Southern California. On one assignment, I was to cover a social studies class of some old-timer; he had written down in his instructions that since his classes were on a field trip, my sole duty was to show a movie at 6th period to those who did not attend. What I found that day opened my eyes.In a dusty corner shelf of the room was a set of thirty-year-old textbooks from the mid-1960s, and although my memory cannot now relinquish their title, their contents burned themselves into my brain. As I flipped through the pages, I was astonished to find what I would now consider an upper-level college textbook under color of what in the high schools used to be termed "civics." This text contained a very detailed understanding of political theory, constitutional law, macroeconomics, American history, and comparative political systems. I spent the rest of the day in slack-jawed amazement, perusing what a student in a working-class town was expected to know before the mavens of education began tinkering with the curricula of our schools.

I remember about 12 years ago, I was visiting my Grandparents and having a nostalgic moment looking thru all of my grandfathers collectibles. One was a sixth grade math book. It was equivalent to a senior year math textbook. And he grew up in the country in eastern Tennessee!

The craziest part...it was extremely well written and made math easy to understand. Go figure. It truly was eye opening.

To sum it all up....we are f***ed.

SpookyWatcher

Quoting: SpookyWatcher 8786220

In thinking about how valuable education is in cultivating the next generation of Americans, my mind took me back nearly twenty years to when I was a graduate student functioning as a substitute teacher at La Puente High School in Southern California. On one assignment, I was to cover a social studies class of some old-timer; he had written down in his instructions that since his classes were on a field trip, my sole duty was to show a movie at 6th period to those who did not attend. What I found that day opened my eyes.In a dusty corner shelf of the room was a set of thirty-year-old textbooks from the mid-1960s, and although my memory cannot now relinquish their title, their contents burned themselves into my brain. As I flipped through the pages, I was astonished to find what I would now consider an upper-level college textbook under color of what in the high schools used to be termed "civics." This text contained a very detailed understanding of political theory, constitutional law, macroeconomics, American history, and comparative political systems. I spent the rest of the day in slack-jawed amazement, perusing what a student in a working-class town was expected to know before the mavens of education began tinkering with the curricula of our schools.

I remember about 12 years ago, I was visiting my Grandparents and having a nostalgic moment looking thru all of my grandfathers collectibles. One was a sixth grade math book. It was equivalent to a senior year math textbook. And he grew up in the country in eastern Tennessee!

The craziest part...it was extremely well written and made math easy to understand. Go figure. It truly was eye opening.

To sum it all up....we are f***ed.

SpookyWatcher

Quoting: SpookyWatcher 8786220

We still supplement my son's private online academy with Ray's Arithmetic. At fifteen he's studying Geometry and Trig, however, it's all about the fundamentals!

My wife has a BS in Math and a BS in Nursing. I have a BS in Chemistry. Believe me, they had a better understanding of grammar, rhetoric, and arithmetic in 1895 than our public school kids do in 2012.

(GLP aka American Jedi)

Listen here you beautiful bitch, I'm about to fuck you up with some truth.Kenny Powers

If you steal the dreams of others long enough, sooner or later you'll end up in a nightmare.American Jedi

In thinking about how valuable education is in cultivating the next generation of Americans, my mind took me back nearly twenty years to when I was a graduate student functioning as a substitute teacher at La Puente High School in Southern California. On one assignment, I was to cover a social studies class of some old-timer; he had written down in his instructions that since his classes were on a field trip, my sole duty was to show a movie at 6th period to those who did not attend. What I found that day opened my eyes.In a dusty corner shelf of the room was a set of thirty-year-old textbooks from the mid-1960s, and although my memory cannot now relinquish their title, their contents burned themselves into my brain. As I flipped through the pages, I was astonished to find what I would now consider an upper-level college textbook under color of what in the high schools used to be termed "civics." This text contained a very detailed understanding of political theory, constitutional law, macroeconomics, American history, and comparative political systems. I spent the rest of the day in slack-jawed amazement, perusing what a student in a working-class town was expected to know before the mavens of education began tinkering with the curricula of our schools.

ALL started back in the late 1960s, when federal government, via Department of Education got involved with 'Free Money' to those schools THEY deemed were teaching what THEY wanted ! With the 'grants'/BRIBES they were handing out, many cities including Danbury, CT took the bate, as the school board ( political wing of Democrats in power ) saw a way to hold down tax increases for education in their communities, while OTHER ones paid the bill !

Once the fed had a stranglehold on the city, they became more and more involved in what was taught and HOW ! Like a drug pusher gives out free samples to initiate a new customer, THEN ups the ante.

Of course the state was next to fall in line with interference .... new rules, new strategies IMPOSED, with politicians HAPPY to follow along.

I know because I WAS PART of that change over, even to the point where an assistant principle told me to dumb down my Introduction to Physical Science class, so dumber students could fit in and NOT fail ! Fought it and they eventually forced me out with continuous hounding/threats and unfounded charges !

^THIS^ We are in Western North Carolina and since my son started 6th grade this year, he does not bring home any books for homework, only copies of pages. I asked him why and he says they don't have any books. This amazed me so when I went to my sons 6th grade "open house" and asked his teachers if I could look through any books she was using to teach my child, she acted offended that I would even question what he was taught and proudly said that they had moved beyond books in the classroom and were using a newly revised teaching method. When I asked her how, as a parent, we can know what our child is being taught this way, she said with a wink...."You'll just have to trust us." I SO wish I could afford to send my children to a private school or homeschool them myself but our state makes both impossible to afford!

Your lacation makes a difference also. As an airfoce brat 45 years ago, I went from Minot ND to Mobile Alabama and discovered I was using the same text book I had learned a year earlier. Needless to say, I did pretty good that year. Books are great, but it's the administrators that make the big difference in a school.

Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst."America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards." -- Claire Wolfe

I have yet to find something in a book that I have not been able to find on the net. I really see this as a move towards the future, if you want a hard copy of the book, just print it out. Granted this is our Gov. so I'm sure they will find some way to screw it up.

Through will of thought we control our emotions and thoughts are often no more difficult to control then we make them to be.

This is probably one of the motivations for Bradbury to fight liscensing of his works for eBook formats for so long. It must have been frightening to him to watch as media (radio, television and the like) surpassed books as the main conduit for the dissemination of news and information in the industrialized world.

"A common mistake that people make when trying to design something that is completely foolproof, is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools" - Douglas Adams

According to vocabulary tests, Californian fourth grade and eighth grade students are almost at the bottom of the list, excepting just a very few other states; and this, despite heavy injections of vast sums of money.

So they found a solution !

"The test, known as the Nation’s Report Card, also showed that California is doing worse than states spending less on education.

So much for lack of money being a problem.

Then there was the school-board meeting I attended where there was a complete computer presentation of a new method of teaching that is now being implemented in the schools.

I had no idea what they were talking about.

They explained classes would be reconfigured, curriculum content was being revised, teachers are being retrained on how to teach and what to teach, how every student would have a laptop, books were to be virtually phased out – but some new books would be created for this whole new education system.

We were told it would take a couple of years to get everything in place, but by the time that happens, it would be in every school and every grade in California."

So books and outdated teaching methods are being blamed.

Are they sure a certain change of mentality in pupils and parents didn't play a part in it ?

And pres. Obama, according to the article, seems to be mighty proud of this "accomplishment."

According to vocabulary tests, Californian fourth grade and eighth grade students are almost at the bottom of the list, excepting just a very few other states; and this, despite heavy injections of vast sums of money.

So they found a solution !

"The test, known as the Nation’s Report Card, also showed that California is doing worse than states spending less on education.

So much for lack of money being a problem.

Then there was the school-board meeting I attended where there was a complete computer presentation of a new method of teaching that is now being implemented in the schools.

I had no idea what they were talking about.

They explained classes would be reconfigured, curriculum content was being revised, teachers are being retrained on how to teach and what to teach, how every student would have a laptop, books were to be virtually phased out – but some new books would be created for this whole new education system.

We were told it would take a couple of years to get everything in place, but by the time that happens, it would be in every school and every grade in California."

So books and outdated teaching methods are being blamed.

Are they sure a certain change of mentality in pupils and parents didn't play a part in it ?

And pres. Obama, according to the article, seems to be mighty proud of this "accomplishment."

We are going to have the same problem in France, our freemason left Minister, Vincent Peillon hopes that in a near future every pupil has his laptop computer or his tablet and this before the end of five-year term, also he would like to decrease in half the rate of redoubling!A future world of illiterates